The Health Insurance Marketplace in Oklahoma is set to open for the 2025 coverage year on Nov. 1, 2024. Individuals and families can enroll in, re-enroll in or make changes to their individual health insurance plans starting at that time. Key Dates to Remember: Nov. 1, 2024: Open Enrollment Commences
• Starting Nov. 1, you can explore the various health insurance options available through the Marketplace in Oklahoma. This is your chance to find a plan that best suits your needs and budget. Dec. 15, 2024: Deadline for Coverage Starting on Jan. 1, 2025
• To ensure your health coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2025, enroll or make any plan changes by Dec. 15, 2024, to avoid a coverage gap.
Seven insurers will offer individual health plans for 2025 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK), Medica Insurance Company, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), CommunityCare Oklahoma (CCOK), Ambetter of Oklahoma (Celtic Ins. Co.) and Taro Health. BCBSOK will offer a statewide plan, while the other insurers’ plans will be available in selected counties. These insurers will provide a range of health plans tailored to Oklahoma residents’ diverse needs. You will also find Dental Plans offered in the state on https://www.healthcare.gov.
“Now is the time to review you and your family’s needs to secure the best coverage that meets those needs,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “Visit healthcare.gov as soon as you can to find the plan that fits best.”
Mulready added that healthcare costs are continuing to rise as demand increases and says it’s more important now than ever that people are properly insured. Last year, over 269,600 Oklahomans who renewed or purchased plans during open enrollment averaged $71 monthly premium cost after federal subsidies.
Plan options, monthly premiums and total annual out-of-pocket costs for 2025 will be available later this month when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services release this information at https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#.
Played by Del Humphreys last year as a naturally bearded Santa, Santa is available for visitors to get their free photos taken during the two days of the show.
Story and photos by Darl DeVault
Contributing Editor
Linda Turner will reprise her role as Mrs. Claus to speak with children and have her photo taken.
To give customers more time to anticipate Christmas, the 15th Annual Santa Market Craft Show will move two weekends into November, Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd, at the Pavilion Building at the OKC Fairgrounds. This shift to earlier dates will create a vibrant and festive atmosphere, sure to get shoppers in the holiday spirit.
The Market is Oklahoma City’s premiere free, two-day showcase for one-of-a-kind, Christmas-themed creations benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma.
“We work to organize this show all year,” co-founder Molly Nye said. “It is a true labor of love and helps all of us by doing something positive to combat Alzheimer’s Disease.” If anyone would like to be involved by volunteering, donating an item or service for the auction, or an item for the Alzheimer’s booth, please contact Joan Clarke at 405-314-1033.
As one of Oklahoma’s most extensive free-admission, nonprofit arts and crafts shows, the festive shopping experience will feature 180+ carefully chosen, creative vendors selling their unique and diverse products. Organizers say this is a shopping experience you won’t want to miss.
The Market offers free parking, a silent auction, and more. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Handcrafted items are available for all shoppers’ seasonal gift needs at an event that raised $43,000 last year for Alzheimer’s work. Since its inception up to this October, the Market has raised $313,464 for the cause.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their children to have free photos taken all day with Santa, Del Humphreys, an International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas member. Visitors can also speak with Mrs. Claus, Linda Turner. Organizers say The Grinch himself will be there this year.”
Shoppers may purchase a wide variety of Christmas-themed home décor. This includes hand-painted ornaments, festive wreaths, and homemade arts and crafts such as knitted scarves and unique pottery. Boutique and holiday items, jewelry, children’s clothes, books, and food goodies are also available. The first 1,000 visitors receive free shopping bags sponsored by local businesses.
Joan Clarke, Molly and Megan Nye began the event in 2010 after Joan’s husband died of Alzheimer’s in 2007. Their shared goal was to support the charity addressing one of America’s most challenging diseases. They invite shoppers to join them in this meaningful cause, becoming part of the community of support.
“Molly and I had been selling items at craft shows for years, and we decided to start our own event. We booked a small room in a hotel and started with 17 vendors,” Clarke said. “By the time our third year began, we realized how much work putting on a quality show involves, so we decided to make it a fundraiser. Molly immediately suggested Alzheimer’s since Joan lost her husband and Megan lost her father to the terrible disease. These personal experiences drive our commitment to the cause and inspire us to make The Santa Market Craft Show a success each year.”
Over the years, the number of vendors, attendees, and funds raised has grown tremendously, which is a testament to the community’s support and the event’s impact.
Every dollar raised at the Market goes directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. These funds support crucial research, care, and support efforts, making a tangible difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Your participation and support are vital, and all donations are tax-deductible, empowering you to be part of this meaningful cause and see the impact of your contribution on Alzheimer’s research.
“Our excellent vendors make this show what it is each year. We are one big family; everyone helps promote the show, advertise, and find new vendors. They donate to our cause, monetarily and with their products, even though it’s voluntary,” Clarke said. “They help with set up, clean up and everything in between. We have three vendors that have been with us all 14 years. Countless more have been with us for 5, 8, or even 10 years. One vendor named it ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ and it truly is.”
The organizers limit the number of crafters’ assigned spaces. Clarke says It is not about turning away new vendors but only allowing a limited number of each type of vendor. They wish they could take everyone, but having a variety makes for a better shopping experience, and the vendors have a much better chance of success. “We strive to ensure a diverse range of products and crafts, so our selection process is based on the uniqueness and quality of the items,” Clark said.
Clarke says some vendors see the event as an opportunity to make sure their favorite charity receives as much as possible from their craft world and them personally. By writing personal checks to the Alzheimer’s Association when The Santa Market rolls around, these vendors do their part to help. They also donate products and gift certificates to the Alzheimer’s auction and booth.
The Santa Market promoted the show at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on November 2 in downtown OKC. Clarke and her family have walked every year since 2003. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
National presenting sponsor Edward Jones is in its ninth consecutive year helping to make the walks successful. Biogen and Eisai are also national sponsors. Santa Market fielded a team for the walk.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In July 2024, the FDA approved Kisunla (Donanemab), a drug that can help treat early Alzheimer’s disease. The medicine is administered intravenously every four weeks. In clinical trials, Donanemab slowed memory and thinking decline by 20-60 percent and slowed daily activity decline by 40 percent.
The organizers attribute The Market’s successful 14 years to the invaluable contributions of quality vendors, loyal customers, volunteers, sponsors, and donors. They consider everyone involved part of the Santa Market Family and hope for their continued support to make this year’s event a resounding success. This year, organizers are proud Steve Eldridge, Senior News & Living and Oklahoma Nursing Times publisher, is again a Diamond Sponsor. For more info, visit www.thesantamarket.org.
Many happy hours were spent in the woods with Cordelia (left) and Kali. Cordelia was husky and yellow lab mix and Kali was border collie and black lab. They were with us for 15 years.
By Marise Boehs
November is a month dedicated to helping older pets find loving forever homes. If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged-friend to your family, consider opening your home and your heart to an older dog or cat in need. While small kittens and puppies may be cute, older pets are just as loving and loyal!
Since senior pets are fully grown, you will have access to important information like personality type and grooming requirements, making it easier to choose the perfect pet for your family.
Senior pets are typically calmer and less energetic than puppies and kittens, so it’s easier to teach them new tricks. Many senior pets are already pros at performing basic commands.
Many people find themselves unprepared for the energy and needs of a young pet. But a sweet senior moves at a much more manageable pace. They’re less demanding and usually fit in well in many kinds of households, including apartments.
Some are unprepared for the hard work it can be to housetrain a new puppy or kitten. You can spend a lot of time training a new puppy to do their business outdoors or teach a kitten to remember where the litter box is. But older pets are usually already housetrained, saving you that stress.
Understanding the personality of an animal is key to finding the perfect match for your family and for that homeless pet. While young puppies and kittens are still developing their personalities, you’ll know right away whether a senior dog is a snuggle-bug or a senior cat is more of an independent spirit.
Many people looking to adopt, complete overlooking the perfectly adoptable older dogs and cats in kennels and cage. In many cases, the absolute most difficult group of homeless pets to place are older dogs and cats. It is a sad fact that senior pets are often the last to be adopted from shelters, putting them at an increased risk for euthanasia.
When you adopt a senior pet, you’re not only welcoming a lifetime of love into your home, you’re also saving a precious life. You’ll get lots of love from an amazing companion.
That said, bringing an older pet home from the shelter or rescue can have its own unique challenges. Sometimes, because the pet is at an advanced age, there can be some extra health issues to consider. They’ll need regular vet care, preventative care, and dental care to stay in good health. But that, by no means, should deter someone from adopting a senior pet.
Depending on breed, lifestyle, and existing health issues, a senior dog or cat can still have plenty of healthy and happy years to give as your loving companion. Healthcare for Senior Pets
Dogs and cats are considered seniors by the age of 7 years old. They age faster than humans and how much faster is determined by their size and breed.
Bi-annual exams are very important to senior pets to help them maintain a happy, long life.
Our pets are increasingly vulnerable to many illnesses as they reach their later years of life. Their health problems related to advancing years are like our own, including heart disease, dental problems, liver disease, digestive disorder, kidney disease, and cancer.
Early detection and treatment of diseases can enable veterinarians to extend your pet’s life and improve the quality of it as well. Senior exam & lab work benefits include: Physical Exam Many diseases such as tumors, dental disease, and heart disease can be detected and treated early with a physical exam. Blood Chemistry (CBC/Chem.) To identify various underlying problems with the internal organs early on before they become serious. Many of these problems may not be detected on a physical exam. Urinalysis Assesses the health and function of the kidneys and bladder. Many diseases will cause urine to be abnormal before any other test or exam will show an abnormality. This is good for early detection of kidney disease. Thyroid Screening (T4) Many breeds develop thyroid problems as they age. Screening allows early detection before they become ill. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Helps to detect heart problems that may not show on physical exam so further diagnosis or treatment can be started.
Glaucoma Screening To check the pressure in the eyes. If the pressure is too high, it can be painful and cause blindness. Blood Pressure Overweight and geriatric animals are prone to high blood pressure. As in people, it can be a silent killer. Older cats are at risk and sometimes the first symptom is blindness or kidney disease that could be prevented if started on medications early. Radiographs: For detection of abnormalities such as enlarged heart, tumors, and organ enlargements. Dentistry: Keeping the pet’s teeth clean prevents painful teeth, odor from the mouth, and bacteria from the mouth that could damage the kidneys, heart, or other organs.
Source: Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort
Author’s Note
Some of the best times of my life where spent with my beloved senior girls. They have gone on to their reward now but not a day goes by that we don’t miss them and talk about the good times.
While the puppy is a joy, and thankfully through the chew-everything-in-sight-stage, she has a high bar to meet. We have to remind ourselves that she is who she is and not compare her to the seniors. “She’s only 3 years old,” is a constant refrain at our house.
Cordelia was much the princess until we went to the river, there she was all about dirty dogs have more fun. I loved her to the moon and back for many years.
Gayle Veasey, left, Rebecca Williams and Carma Branscum, right, coached pickleball at the Be Amazing event.
Chicken N Pickle hosted the VillagesOKC member appreciation and anniversary party.
Each year, the members, board and sponsors of VillagesOKC meet to celebrate the past year with an Anniversary Party. This year, the celebration was held on a perfect Oklahoma evening at OKC’s Chicken N Pickle.
From Guthrie to South Oklahoma City, members who live in their own homes love connecting over great food. This evening, they enjoyed shuffleboard, corn hole and – of course pickleball – watching, learning and playing. VillagesOKC members who are avid pickleball enthusiasts, Carma Branscum and Gayle Veasy, helped teach others who had never played before.
Pickleball is just one opportunity for mature adults to stay active and enjoy new friends. Sharing a meal, being there and sometimes helping each other with hard conversations, are all part of the new mindset for those who are embracing their age here in Oklahoma City and across the nation.
“This incredible organization’s goal is to empower adults to age with vitality and purpose,” said Alicia Jackson, Chicken N Pickle’s Community Impact Coordinator. “We LOVE their purpose which reminds all ages that pickleball is for everyone.” VillagesOKC members lead the way with a can-do spirit.
(Right) 101 years old. Meet Goldie Nelson 101 and moved to Harrah, OK. Her brother, Harold, also lives there. Goldie and Olen Nelson were married for 66 years and raised two children, both of whom were at the celebration. Goldie’s words of wisdom for us are: When You Get Married, Don’t Go to Bed Angry, Communication is Important!
Faye Flowers
(Left) 101 years old. Faye (McCoy) Flowers, 101, has lived a full life in Jones, staying healthy without medications. She credits daily hot chocolate and regular bike rides for her longevity. She buys clothes from resale stores to donate to those in need. She was honored with the Pay It Forward award and featured in local media. Her advice: “Forgive easily, love everyone, and thank God daily.”
John Knorr
(Right) 100 years old. WWII Veteran John Andrew Knorr, born October 26, 1924, in Kittanning, PA, graduating Notre Dame’s Electrical Engineering program. He served 7 years in the Navy on the USS Langley. After a career with TG&Y Corporation, he retired in 1989. Now in Tulsa, he stays active and always has a smile. His advice: “Obey your parents. Listen!”
Margaret Burnett
(Right) 102 years old. Meet Margaret Burnett, a lively 102-year-old born in Kay County. She lived in several towns before settling in Ponca City, where she worked as a nurse’s aide until 1994. She has a five-generation family, including three daughters, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. For her 100th birthday, she collected food donations for the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society instead of gifts, a tradition she continued the following year.
November 9th, Saturday
All Stars granny basketball team will be playing the Bridge Creek Fire Department at the Bridge Creek Middle School gym on Saturday, November 9th at 2 pm. We are fundraising for a children’s Christmas toy drive.
Donations welcome. There will be a silent auction for baked goods and baskets.
For more information, contact Lori Rupert – Captain, All Stars-OKC granny basketball team 405-328-8090
The American Legion Lebron Post 58 in Guthrie is expanding its community footprint helping veterans through several initiatives including its Bunker 58 Esports program. Pictured are Post Commander Kim Vincent, and Steve Sibley who serves as the Lebron Post 58’s Community Engagement Officer.
Story and Photo by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer
The American Legion Lebron Post 58 in Guthrie has a long history of doing community outreach helping veterans, active-duty members, and families of those who have served.
The American Legion Post is expanding its community outreach through a series of initiatives to help veterans receive the benefits and help they need, said Post Commander Kim Vincent.
Vincent, a U.S. Navy veteran, has served as the post commander since August.
She and her husband, also a Navy veteran, moved to Oklahoma from San Diego.
“For 20 years we’d come to Oklahoma. My childhood best friend from Indiana moved to Edmond about 27 years ago,” Vincent said. “We would just stay at her ranch, and we fell in love with it.”
Vincent said she wanted to get involved with the Guthrie community.
“I quickly got involved with the American Legion when we moved here,” she said. “I have a wonderful team of officers working with me. Together we have been so successful in starting new programs and getting them established.”
One of those programs was the creation of the Bunker 58 Esports program, which is designed to reduce veteran suicide by providing an environment of connection, teamwork, and camaraderie for local veterans.
“Bunker 58 started as an idea between three Legionnaires a couple of years ago,” said Army veteran and Lebron Post 58 Chaplain George Shafer. “We were sitting around drinking coffee, and one of our members read an article in the National American Legion Magazine about a partnership with a gaming organization. And in that article, it explained to us that eSports provides a level of camaraderie, accountability, and competition that veterans crave. We began the process of looking into what it would look like to get that program at our Post here in Guthrie. And we began looking at the cost and looking into the internet and considering where we could potentially run the program.”
Shafer said the grand opening this summer was a success.
“It exceeded our expectations dramatically,” he said. “We were hoping on a Wednesday afternoon to hopefully get 10 or 20 people to come out and look at what we were doing. We ended up having over 100 people show up. We were able to speak with veterans and attendees who had never stepped foot into an American Legion before. We’ve also been able to attract new members from a younger demographic. And the response that we got from our immediate community was overwhelmingly special.”
Steve Sibley, a U.S. Army veteran, serves as the Lebron Post 58’s Community Engagement Officer.
He also serves as an Account Executive with Senior News and Living Magazine.
Sibley said one of his goals is helping launch the Oklahoma Veteran News-Magazine in January 2025.
Oklahoma is home to approximately 285,000 veterans, active-duty members, Guard and reservists. That number reaches well over half-a-million when you include their spouses and caregivers.
For veterans in Oklahoma, their greatest challenge is how and where do they find and access all the resources available to them? Likewise, for providers with services, information, and resources for veterans and their caregivers, their challenge is connecting with veterans and their family members.
“The purpose of our new magazine is to not only fill that gap, but also bring to light the stories of Oklahoma’s active service members, guard, reserve members, veterans, and veteran owned businesses,” Sibley said. “My goal has been for over two years now to come up with some type of veteran-focused news magazine for Oklahoma, while helping veterans access the benefits that they have. There’s so much information out there and so many benefits that they can access. A lot of them just don’t know. I want to get that information out.”
Sibley said he and Vincent have worked together to put together veteran resource fairs at the American Legion.
“Kim and I started talking about an opportunity to do a resource fair for veterans last November,” he said. “We started with that, and things have just gone from there. They’re doing all these awesome things in the community already. I want to take what we’re doing here at the Legion and engage with the community. We’re working hand in hand with the Guthrie Chamber and we’re going to their weekly events when we can, and we’re trying to schedule our officers, so we have someone there all the time.”
Sibley said the American Legion Post is hosting its next Veteran and Senior Wellness and Resource Fair Nov. 21 at the Post located at 123 N. 1st Street from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Additionally, he said the Post also hosts Thursday morning coffees for veterans from 9 a.m.-noon.
“We have Thursday morning coffee, and we want to do things like invite our first responders and recognize their work in the community,” he said.
Vincent said the community outreach also focuses on the next generation of future military members.
She said the Post has worked with Colonel Kyle Brede, (US Army RET) the JROTC commander at Guthrie High School to help spread the word about the American Legion and its purpose.
“It’s important for us to be out in the community and engaging with the community and its young people to get them excited to hopefully one day join our military especially since recruiting numbers have recently been declining,” Vincent said.
Vincent said the Lebron Post’s biggest fundraiser event each year is its role in organizing Guthrie’s annual 89er Day celebration each April. The 2025 celebration will mark the 96th annual event.
Vincent said one of the Post’s long-term goals is providing temporary/transitional housing for veterans.
“We have a vision of having some transitioning homes,” she said. “We want to be able to provide some kind of housing for them temporarily, and that’s going to take some time. We need property to do that.”
Vincent said the Post is considering looking for a location that is in a quieter spot.
“I feel like we need a space outside of town, with fewer horns honking, or the ambulance going to the hospital,” she said.
Vincent said telling a veteran’s story is important.
The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress collects, preserves and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service.
“We’re partnering with Senator (James) Lankford’s office, with the Veteran History Project, where they’re coming up here Dec. 5, where volunteers from the senator’s office and the Red Cross will come and sit down with veterans and record their stories,” she said.
For more information about the programs at Lebron Post 58 call (405)282-2589 or visit https://lebronpost58.org
On Friday, November 15, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Choctaw Freedmen Citizen Footprints (CFCF) is partnering with the Oklahoma Historical Society to share and discuss Black experiences on Route 66 in the Chesapeake Event Center and Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.
The CFCF will unveil the “Oklahoma Freedmen Families and Descendants” pop-up exhibit at the event. This exhibit explores the journeys of Freedmen families traveling across Route 66 and other Oklahoma roads, highways, and byways for work and family gatherings – creating a new path for their descendants to follow. These journeys played a pivotal role in shaping Oklahoma’s history and narratives.
Brenda Droke, Doris Burris Williamson, and Wanda Warren will be the guest speakers, among others, rendering a special tribute to selected honorees from the Burris, Coleman, Butler, Cole and Liggins families.
A light lunch will be served. The event is free, but registration is required. The registration deadline is Friday, November 1.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
Stay Active and Engaged: Senior Programs with the Metropolitan Library System
This November, the Metropolitan Library System has a great lineup of programs for seniors. Whether you’re looking to stay active, connect with others, or learn new skills, there’s something for everyone. Wellness and Fitness Programs
Take charge of your health with Total Wellness, a free program by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department that focuses on preventing diabetes and heart disease through weight loss and increased activity. For those seeking a gentler exercise, Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) offers chair exercises designed to boost strength and mobility. Sessions are available at the Northwest Library (Nov. 4 and 11 at 2:30 p.m.), Almonte Library (Nov. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, and 21 at 10 a.m.), and Choctaw Library (Nov. 6 and 20 at 10 a.m.).
You can also improve your balance and muscle strength with Tai Chi, which helps reduce the risk of falls. Classes are held at Choctaw Library (Nov. 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 1 p.m.) and Southern Oaks Library (Nov. 12, 14, 19, and 21 at 10:15 a.m.). Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance. Support and Safety
If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Support Group at Bethany Library on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. offers a welcoming space to connect with others and share practical advice. The S.A.L.T. Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) will meet at Warr Acres Library on Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. to discuss the latest scams targeting seniors and how to stay safe. Tech and Learning Opportunities
Join us for Computer Keys: Excelling with Microsoft Excel at Downtown OKC Library on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m., where you can learn to create spreadsheets, use basic formulas, and organize data. This beginner-friendly class is perfect for seniors looking to brush up on their computer skills. Be sure to register early! Discover Your Family’s History
The library offers several exciting genealogy events this month. On Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at Belle Isle Library, learn about Researching Your Native American Ancestry with a focus on Oklahoma’s tribal records, including the Dawes Roll. At Southern Oaks Library on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m., attend Getting Started With Recording Personal Histories-a great way to preserve family stories. You can also participate in Genealogy 101 at Del City Library on Nov. 16 at 10 a.m., where experts will help you trace your family tree using library resources.
If you’d like to dig deeper, the Downtown OKC Library has an extensive collection of genealogy materials, including family histories, local records, and online databases like Ancestry.com and HeritageHub. Our Special Collections department offers personalized assistance and one-on-one tutorials to support your research. Whether you’re just starting or diving deeper, we have the resources to help you discover your roots.
With these programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this November at the Metropolitan Library!
New brand honors Oklahoma baseball legend Mickey Mantle, emphasizes team affiliation with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Oklahoma City’s Triple-A baseball team officials tonight revealed the team’s new name and brand, the Oklahoma City Comets, during an unveiling ceremony at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The OKC Comets name pays homage to Oklahoma baseball legend Mickey Mantle, whose nickname was “the Commerce Comet.” The brand’s light blue and red colors and logo, with a baseball shooting through the sky like a comet, honor the team’s long-time affiliation with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“We wanted our new name and brand to be something that reflects Oklahoma’s rich baseball history and our affiliation with the Dodgers but is also uniquely ours and embraces the future of our city and state,” said Oklahoma City Comets President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “Mickey Mantle-the Commerce Comet-is an iconic baseball figure for our state, our city, our team and our ballpark. In addition, the OKC Comets name and different marks that display images of space suggest a look toward the future and enables us to have a bit of fun bringing our new identity to life for our fans.”
Byrnes said the local community and key stakeholders played a significant role in selecting the new name. Over the past two years, team officials hosted focus groups with members of the community and reviewed the high volume of feedback received from fans via social media and email submissions.
“We appreciate our community of fans who provided input into the new name and brand and who have supported this team throughout the years-since 1962,” Byrnes said. “Our commitment is to continue to provide the same fun, family-friendly game day experience our fans have come to expect-now with new signage, new uniforms and mascots.”
The team remains the Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate through at least 2030 under the current Professional Development League license, featuring players one step away from Major League Baseball for years to come.
Work is underway to replace signage, uniforms and other graphics with the OKC Comets brand, which will greet fans when the new season begins in April 2025. Fans who want to get a jump-start on displaying the new brand can purchase OKC Comets merchandise online or at the Team Store, located on the west side of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Season memberships for 2025 are currently available for purchase.